The purpose of this study was to examine changes in specific positive and negative emotions during a vacation, as well as their interactions with personality. Using a questionnaire and diary, 39 American and Dutch vacationers' emotions high in both positivity and arousal exhibited an inverted U-shape curve, suggesting that they felt better during the second section rather than the end of their vacation. None of the negative emotions exhibited significant changes over time. When the impacts of personality on specific emotions were addressed, personality was found to determine the baseline levels of fear and sadness and moderate change in disgust across individuals' vacations. The results suggest that tourism managers and researchers must acknowledge and address the change of emotions tourists experience during a vacation and the role of personality in influencing that change.

Highlights

Addresses specific emotions rather than generalized dimensions of emotion.

Accounts for the variability of emotions felt throughout a vacation.

Documenting the role of personality in emotional outcomes of vacationing.

Emotions high in both positivity and arousal exhibited an inverted U-shape curve during vacation.

Personality determined the baseline levels of fear and sadness and moderated change in disgust.